In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-13 means "Weather And Road Conditions". It is used to request or relay information about current weather, roadway hazards, or driving conditions that may affect travel and operational safety.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Dispatch: "Unit 18, advise road conditions on Highway 7."
- Officer: "10-13, heavy rain and standing water in both lanes."
In this exchange, the officer is providing real-time information about hazardous road conditions. Using 10-13 allows dispatch to quickly assess risks and relay critical updates to other units or agencies.
Operational Importance
10-13 plays a key role in situational awareness, especially during severe weather events or periods of increased traffic risk. Accurate reporting of road and weather conditions helps prevent accidents, supports emergency planning, and improves responder safety.
Dispatch may use 10-13 information to reroute units, issue advisories, or coordinate with public works, highway departments, or emergency management agencies.
Safety And Resource Coordination
During storms, floods, ice events, or reduced visibility, 10-13 becomes a high-value communication tool. Officers may report hazards such as downed trees, icy bridges, flooding, debris, or impaired visibility. Dispatch can then determine whether to issue a 10-0 (use caution) advisory or request additional resources.
In more serious situations, 10-13 reports may support decisions to temporarily restrict traffic or coordinate closures until conditions improve.
Variations And Regional Usage
While 10-13 is commonly associated with weather and road conditions, definitions can vary by jurisdiction. Some agencies use it strictly as a request for conditions, while others use it as a general reporting code for roadway hazards.
Because of these variations, 10-13 is often paired with plain-language clarification to ensure accurate understanding across agencies.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies that emphasize plain-language communication may replace 10-13 with phrases such as:
- "Advise weather and road conditions."
- "Road conditions are hazardous."
- "Weather-related roadway issues reported."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-13 include 10-0 (use caution), 10-6 (busy), 10-12 (stand by), and 10-20 (location). Together, these codes support safe travel, effective coordination, and timely response during changing environmental conditions.